Delta's Medallion-level customers will soon be able to upgrade their tickets to a whole new level. The program is available only at Delta's East Coast hubs as a trial run, but it may expand worldwide. USA Today (07/27) Bloomberg (07/27)

Preserving culture is a priority for most companies, and Southwest has taken a unique approach. The airline has issued commemorative belt buckles over the years with designs reflecting major moments in the company's history. Nuts About Southwest blog (07/24)

American Airlines has announced its highest quarterly earnings ever, posting $1.7 billion. CEO Doug Parker gave credit to the American Airlines team in his announcement, while noting that American will invest its windfall in a $2 billion stock buyback. "These results are especially remarkable considering the significant and successful work underway to integrate two airlines. The more than 100,000 dedicated team members of American Airlines are doing a phenomenal job and we are grateful for their commitment to our customers," said Parker. Investor's Business Daily (07/24) The Dallas Morning News (free content) (07/24) Reuters (07/24)

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Delta Air Lines announced plans for joint public/private investment in LaGuardia airport. The project will unfold in two phases, and Delta Air Lines will fund the second half of the expansion. "This doesn't happen without Delta Air Lines," Cuomo said. Delta President Ed Bastian said the carrier has spent more than $2 billion on infrastructure at NYC area airports. "The initiatives announced today are aligned with our ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional experience for anyone traveling through New York for business or pleasure," said Bastian. BBC (07/28) USA Today (07/28) The Dallas Morning News (free content) (07/27) Bloomberg (07/27)

American Airlines is offering a purser training program to build soft skills with the airlines' flight crews and help them deliver transformational service - service personalized to each individual passenger. Airways News (07/30)

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